European Union tax on crockery is underhanded, says UK retail group

THE EU imposition of tax on Chinese crockery of up to 58.8 per cent duty on the import dockside price has been criticised by the British Retail Consortium for shifting price to end-consumer.

Its director-general Stephen Robertson said the move, which was implemented within a 24-hour notice period despite 14 of the EU's 27 members voting against, prices out affordable ceramic tableware and ovenware from China.

To say that the extra costs can be absorbed by retailers is "disingenuous rubbish" at a time when the UK high street is struggling to perform against weakening consumer demand.

According to a report from London's Containerisation International, the levy adds to growing accusations that the EU is protectionist and against free trade.